The second generation iPhone SE was launched almost a year ago in April 2020. With its 4.7in screen and home button it became a popular replacement for the iPhone 8 as the new budget model.
According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the third-generation iPhone SE will be delayed until next year, despite rumours that had indicated there would be a launch this year.
Kuo had said in November 2020 that a autumn 2021 launch was possible, but even then he said the new iPhone SE is delayed.
When it arrives the new handset will offer a more powerful processor and 5G support, but otherwise there will be no major changes compared to the current model.
A slightly larger iPhone SE model with a screen of 5.5in or 6.1in is also rumoured. Should it materialise, that handset is likely to be named iPhone SE Plus. If Kuo is correct then those waiting for a larger iPhone with a home button will have a longer wait ahead of them.
Display expert Ross Young also anticipates a 2023 launch for the iPhone SE. According to Young, as with previous SE models, Apple will use an older model as the template. The iPhone SE 3 is said to be based on the iPhone 11 chassis, except that a Touch ID sensor will be used instead of Face ID. Read more here: iPhone SE 3 ‘based on iPhone 11, launching spring 2022’.
Want to buy an iPhone SE? Read our round up of all the best iPhone SE deals.
We also have a round up of all the new iPhone SE rumours.
Author: Karen Haslam, Editor
Macworld editor since 2008, Karen has worked on both sides of the Apple divide, clocking up a number of years at Apple's PR agency prior to joining Macworld almost two decades ago.
Karen's career highlights include interviewing Apple's Steve Wozniak and discussing Steve Jobs’ legacy on the BBC. Her focus is Mac, but she lives and breathes Apple.